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Lookup NU author(s): Dana Hutton
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© The Author(s) 2024. The abscopal effect is a phenomenon wherein localised therapy on the primary tumour leads to regression of distal metastatic growths. Interestingly, various pre-clinical studies utilising sonodynamic therapy (SDT) have reported significant abscopal effects, however, the mechanism remains largely enigmatic. SDT is an emerging non-invasive cancer treatment that uses focussed ultrasound (FUS) and a sonosensitiser to induce tumour cell death. To expand our understanding of abscopal effects of SDT, we have summarised the preclinical studies that have found SDT-induced abscopal responses across various cancer models, using diverse combination strategies with nanomaterials, microbubbles, chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Additionally, we shed light on the molecular and immunological mechanisms underpinning SDT-induced primary and metastatic tumour cell death, as well as the role and efficacy of different sonosensitisers. Notably, the observed abscopal effects underscore the need for continued investigation into the SDT-induced ‘vaccine-effect’ as a potential strategy for enhancing systemic anti-tumour immunity and combating metastatic disease. The results of the first SDT human clinical trials are much awaited and are hoped to enable the further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of SDT, paving the way for future studies specifically designed to explore the potential of translating SDT-induced abscopal effects into clinical reality.
Author(s): Collins VG, Hutton D, Hossain-Ibrahim K, Joseph J, Banerjee S
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Journal of Cancer
Year: 2025
Volume: 132
Pages: 409-420
Print publication date: 23/03/2025
Online publication date: 13/11/2024
Acceptance date: 28/10/2024
ISSN (print): 0007-0920
ISSN (electronic): 1532-1827
Publisher: Springer Nature
URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-024-02898-y
DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02898-y
